The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, the first of its kind in Southern California, opened its doors on March 10, 1973. The non-profit museum, located in Balboa Park, just celebrated its 30th anniversary with a retrospective exhibit, a classic IMAX® film festival and a huge public birthday party. The Fleet has been on the forefront of science and technology, presenting the community with hundreds of hands-on exhibits and attractions.

The Fleet was originally designed as a planetarium, but local entrepreneur and Reuben H. Fleet's son, Preston "Sandy" Fleet, had a vision to utilize the titled dome for film images. Thus, the IMAX Dome Theater was born. This was the world's first and used as a model for hundreds of other theaters worldwide. Enormous images are projected onto a dome screen that literally wraps around you and makes you feel like you are part of the action. Through the summer, you can enjoy the underwater sensation, Coral Reef Adventure. The film features two San Diegans, Howard and Michele Hall, on a journey to explore deep corals off the shore of Fiji and Australia. Also playing this summer is Kilimanjaro: To The Roof of Africa, which follows five ordinary hikers up the world's largest freestanding mountain.

In addition to the IMAX films, The Fleet houses over 100 hands-on exhibits to stimulate the mind. On the main floor is ExploraZone® - a collection of more than 30 exhibits from San Francisco's Exploratorium designed to demonstrate the fun side of science and technology. Adults and children alike can bond over their curiosity and marvel at the innovative exhibits and attractions.

The Fleet prides itself on being an educational attraction for all generations. "People of all ages are inspired to inquire about their world and the technologies we use in our lives," says Dr. Jeffrey Kirsch, Executive Director.

The Fleet offers numerous discounts for seniors. Every day seniors 65+ can enjoy discounted admission, but on the first Monday of each month (holidays excluded), they can enjoy Senior Mondays. Seniors are invited to visit on the quietest day of the week and enjoy the Fleet's five exhibit galleries plus one IMAX film for only $5! This program has been in place for many months now and is quite popular with local and visiting seniors!